3 NoVA Restaurants Are Among Top 100 In US In New Ranking

Three eateries in Northern Virginia are included on a list of the 100 most “drool-worthy” restaurants in the country by the business review and ratings site Yelp.

Yelp said its Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 ranking showcases the highest-reviewed restaurants by its users. Chefs across the country “are plating up memorable, can’t-miss meals at fine-dining rooms, food halls, counter-order favorites, cozy cafés, and wallet-friendly gems that deliver big flavor without the big bill,” Yelp said.

Here’s a look at the Virginia restaurants that made this year’s list:

68. Chay Restaurant, Falls Church

Located in Barcroft Plaza, Chay Restaurant offers a fully vegetarian menu that captures the vibrant and authentic flavors of Vietnam, according to the eatery’s website.

What Yelp reviewers say: “The dishes here are incredible and a work of art. I was so impressed and couldn't believe that the dishes bursting with Vietnamese flavors were all vegetarian. Outstanding service and gorgeous ambiance. Can't wait to come back for more!”

78. Fountain Grill, Ashburn

Fountain Grill offers an American-themed dining experience that showcases everything from hearty burgers and tantalizing wings to scrumptious sandwiches, flavorful entrees, and fresh salads, according to the restaurant’s website.

What Yelp reviewers say: “I am so glad I gave this place a try — the food was absolutely amazing, and I can tell they have a chef and kitchen staff who really enjoy their craft. The menu has an uncanny amount of variety to it, and I feel convinced anything on there is mouth-watering delicious.”

100. Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen Bar, Alexandria

Matt & Tony's is described as an energetic American-fare restaurant serving breakfast all day, lunch, and dinner with a welcoming, communal bar, according to its website.

What Yelp reviewers say: “I highly recommend this place. The staff were friendly from the moment we stepped in until we left. Our waiter was efficient and checked in with us without being intrusive. The food was amazing with tons of flavor.”

Yelp said trends for 2026 include:

• “Grandma-core”: “Nonna-stalgia” brings simple, slow-cooked family recipes, often with mismatched dinnerware.
• Sandwiches for dinner: Elevated comfort food sandwiches are popular after dark, with nine spots on the list.
• All-day breakfast: Cafés and brunch spots claim nine slots.
• Japanese flavors dominate: Japanese cuisine, including sushi and Nikkei fusion, takes 10 spots.
• Worth the splurge: Special-occasion dining is also favored, including at restaurants specializing in upscale steak and seafood.

According to Yelp reviewers, the top 20 restaurants nationally are:

1. Ci Siamo, New York City
2. Taste of Texas, Houston, Texas
3. NAM Kitchen, Gardena, California
4. Waffle and Berry, Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Comfort Cafe – San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
6. Adela’s Country Eatery, Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Broken Mouth, Los Angeles, California
8. GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana
9. Slackwater — Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Pepp & Dolores, Cincinnati, Ohio
11. Butcher’s Union, Grand Rapids, Michigan’
12. Porzana, Minneapolis, Minnesota
13. Leven Deli, Denver, Colorado
14. RJ Skillets, Portland, Oregon
15. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, Kansas
16. Greek Bistro, Glendale, California
17. Tsukiyo Sushi, Los Angeles, California
18. Papi’s Ohana, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
19. Fat Of The Land, Santa Ana, California
20. COTE Miami, Miami, Florida